From the Nature Trail we made our way back to the Leisure Valley Grounds for the IInd part of the event. The Man Made Challenges.

This part consisted of several challenges like rock boulders, Inclines, mud pits, articulation challenge, etc.

Again as at the Nature Trail, the objective here too was simple

To complete the various challenges in the least possible time with the least amount of penalties. There were track marshals or officials posted at the start of the challenge and the end of the challenge and if the obstacle was long couple of marshals were in the middle of the challenge. The co-driver had the option of either sitting inside the vehicle or guide his driver from outside. However if the co-driver/ navigator decided to sit inside the vehicle, they were not allowed to exit the vehicle before the challenge was complete.

Our famous SLS (Sardar Laxman Singh) in his jeep.

As can be easily seen from the above set of pictures this challenge was not an easy one. This can further be seen from the attached video

In the following video it is Rahul Roy in his Force Gurkha at the articulation challenge and then at the log challenge.

In the following video its Ashish Bhatia in his trusted BUSHRANGER at the articulation challenge

The event was not fun and games for just the off-roaders. The kids and other participants were seen having a good time too. In the following picture while some can be seen talking serious business and other can be seen having a good time at the rope walk. Kids at the same time decided to have a good time of their own and decided to get the best seat in the house.

There was this one challenge, I think the camel’s back. While all other vehicles cleared it easily. This one vehicle a Suzuki Grand Vitara beached at the top of the obstacle. Being a novice I am not sure whether this was because of the low ground clearance as the vehicle was prepped up for Extreme Rallying. Here’s a picture

Here are some videos of a Gypsy at the Camels Back and the NISSAN PATROL at another

Then there was this one challenge ‘The ROCK or BOULDER SECTION’. On the face of it, the challenge looked really difficult. But if properly negotiated, it wasn’t as difficult at it was appearing in person

Then again doing the challenge, is one thing, but ROCKING THE ROCK CHALLENGE IS ANOTHER.

This is demonstrated by our own BOBBIE BHOGAL

Another obstacle, I am not sure of the exact name, there was this huge pit and the trick was to come nose down and then attempt to come out from the other side.

I am not able to explain it in detail. Let the following pictures and videos do the talking

The following pictures are of Rahul Roy in his Gurkha and Ashish Bhatia in his Bushranger

The difficulty of of the challenge is not as evident in the above pictures but the videos are more explanatory

Then comes our own Mr.Bobbie Bhogal, in his home grown, Mayapuri marka jeep. I am not sure what vehicle this is and called by many as a JUGAAD. But I’d say that if a JUGAAD can accomplish this and makes it seem as a cake walk, Ill settle for a JUGAAD anyday.

Jokes aside, I totally agree that its not just the vehicle but the person sitting behind the wheel that makes a difference.

Now there was this one particular obstacle that was initially scrapped due to the difficulty level. But the off-roaders are a different breed all-together. Give them a challenge and utter these magic words. THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE & CAN’T BE DONE, and watch the fun.

Then come BOBBIE in his mayapuri marka mix and match JUGAAD Jeep or I should say that by this time the nickname UNSTOPPABLE BHOGAL is more appropriate

well… just watch the video

But again Bobbie wasn’t the only one. In the following pictures and video Madan ji can be seen in his 4000cc 6 cylinder petrol powered NISSAN Jonga and he too does the obstacle with ease

The following are some pictures of Keshav Malik in his MM550

Siddharth Singh Rathore from Jaipur in is Diesel powered SWB Jeep CJ

And finally last but not the least, THE UNSTOPPABLE BHOGAL giving another try at the same obstacle but from a different approach and the results… well does he do it???

See the video

Some Random pictures from the event

Results & Prize Distribution

With the above picture the event came to a close and we decided to bid good byes to everyone and head home. I started to hunt for Ashish Bhatia, my co-driver so that we could move out. but in the meantime I get a call from Ashish himself.

He say “kahan par hai, jildi aajaa, near the podium”

Where are you, come fast near the podium..

Just wondering what the big issue was, I headed near the podium and Bhatia Saab had a big grin on his face and hugged me and said, “We came IInd in the extreme category”. I couldn’t believe my ears and was like “WHAT!!!” It can’t be, but it was true. Saw the results for myself

I was over joyed and simply spell bound. I had no words to express my excitement. But all in all, it was a wonderful event and I enjoyed it to the last moment.

So finally, I finish the photologue of the event with the following prize distribution pictures.

Work on the vehicle is progressing at a slow pace. Basically the only work on the vehicle done up till now is that we have received the alternator back from the service centre after being serviced and it will be installed in a couple of days!!!The self-starter motor was not serviced as that was local/ fake one and I decided to buy a new one instead of wasting money on the fake one.

Picture of the engine bay showing the change in direction of the air intake pipe

The radiator after cleaning/ flushing!!!Report on the Ranger (MM550) after getting it back from the orkshop/ OTR

Received the RANGER in the evening on Friday (14th August) from the workshop.

Work done at the workshop

Complete Clutch system including bearings changed/ overhauled

Both brake cylinders changed

Engine and gearbox mounts changed (I always used to say that my vehicle starts and shuts off with a big jerk or jhatka!!! I guess this was the reason.

The rear left brake was leaking. Fixed. Whether this was leaking due to the brake cylinder or something else I wouldn’t know

Power steering joints on the main rod/ shaft changed

Oil change/ oil filter, diesel filter, air filter changed

Suspension set (was drooping towards the LHS by 1-1.5″)

Radiator was dirty, so it was flushed completely (the pictures I uploaded earlier was after the radiator was flushed)

Direction of the air intake pipe was changed (SK said that this way water wouldn’t go inside the engine in case of water crossing)

Earlier the brakes needed to be pumped twice for effective braking. Now they are as the should be

Driving impression

The engine sound changed completely for the better. The engine now feels and sounds more free, earlier it used to sound and fell the the engine was working under pressure or as they say “dab ke chal raha tha”

Brakes are now perfect.

The vehicle did stall a couple of times, but after I got the hang of the new clutch release it worked flawlessly. Maybe I needed some time to get used to the new release mechanism.

The clutch now was as good as it can be. No effort required whatsoever and I wouldn’t be wrong in saying that as good as my safari or Optra’s

The power steering was also working great

Earlier on pushing the vehicle hard i.e. ‘pedal to the metal’ the Ranger used to achieve a max speed of 80 km/hr and barely used to touch 85 km/hr now when I was driving in the morning to the OTR venue I managed to touched 90-95 km/hr. I know that this can’t be the correct reading and there has to be a speedometer error and also in OTR vehicles high speed is not the main concern. But I am trying to emphasise the fact that there is still an 11% improvement in the preformance of the engine.

During and after OTR impression/ observation/ Pending work

Fuel injectors need to be changed

Heater plugs weak. Need to be changed

The starter motor is giving issue and refuses to crank sometimes. Also I think that the alternator is not in the perfect of condition. the Amp meter shows that its charging all the time. And on my way back from Manesar post OTR the vehicle stalled at the toll gate and the starter got jammed, din’t crank just a loud ‘click’ and nothing. I had to push start it Thinking of getting it serviced from LUCAS!!! Will talk SK, if M&M’s markup is high then I will send it to LUCAS directly but if the charges are not much extra I will prefer to leave the vehicle at the workshop and M&M can take care of dismantling the starter and send it to LUCAS on their own. Saves me a lot of headache and running around. (the current status is the vehicle is with SK and he has sent both the starter and alternator to LUCAS)

Power steering still not perfect when turning. Again the fluid was leaking from the pump.

Lhs door rattle

Tyres hitting the body while articulation

Oil leaking from the trf case/ Gearbox

Oil pressure light on

Handbrake lever

Windshieldrubber lining

Current statusI sent the vehicle to Sudhir Kashyap(SK) on Tuesday the 18th August. I have taken the decision of getting the alternator and the starter motor serviced from LUCAS and SK with take care of itWe have decided to replace the power steering with a the new steering box from RANE. This I think should solve the issue of the frequent leakage from the pump!!! The p/s is not faulty as the oil only leaks at OTR’s otherwise it works perfectly. So its up for grabs!!!

I haven’t visited the workshop in two weeks and will go there maybe today evening or tomorrow and update the status.

Finally some sense prevails and I take the RANGER (MM550) to the right place!!!

Hey guys This is going to be a long post so please bear with me!!!

The vehicle along with the driver was sent to mayapuri with specific instructions of Do not let the mechanic touch the vehicle. I had decided not to show it to Mayapuri even if that meant I do not get to drive the vehicle anymore.I was actually fedup of being tossed around

All the mountings were changed, nuts bolts, seats etc etc were tightened. The vehicle was parked there the entire day and when they tried to start the vehicle afterwards and it didn’t crank. They push started it and the driver brought it home and parked it. I was out of station and came to know of the battery drain only on my return back to Delhi. Anyways the vehicle was quite smooth to drive and the music aka sounds from all nooks and corners disappeared.

Anyways I charged the battery at my office and with the help of Mandeep took the vehicle to an electrician near Dhaula Kuan. The electrician checked up the vehicle completely. He concluded that the alternator was working fine and was charging the battery, the battery was also ok as it was just 3 months old and that couldn’t be the issue. So he came to the conclusion that the battery might have leaked as in mayapuri they might have left some headlight on or something else we can never be sure.

I got the starter serviced from that guy and paid 1100 bucks (including parts (bush and couple of other parts 700) and 400 labor)

So the hunt was on for a good workshop and whomsoever I asked had many suggestions but I really din’t know where to turn to.

Quote from my previous post 2nd August 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by harjeev

I again dont want to spend the money and still not find a permanent solution to this problem!!! What I’ve learnt is that these (mayapuri mechanic) are good for small small issues but now I would like to go to a decent guy who even if he charges me a little more money, but not take me for a ride.I actually don’t mind going to an authorised service station provided the guys doing the work there understand jeeps.

While I was with Mandeep at the electrician’s shop (I think it was on Tuesday the 4th of August) naturally I asked him to what to do and he advised me to go to Mahindra First Choice’s outlet in North Delhi. Its owned by as the name says its all by M&M and comes under Mr. Sudhir Kashyap who is the Dy GM- North. I had met Mr.Sudhir Kashyap (SK) at an OTR once in the past & I called them the very next day had an appointment fixed for Sunday.

Observations @ M&M’s Automart

Jobs for which i went to the workshop

Oil/ oil filter, air filter change,

Clutch hard excessively and a weird noise when in momentum the clutch is pressed.

Power steering too hard

Issues observed by the workshop

Engine mounting driver’s side broken in two 😦

Excessive play in the rod that connects the steering rod to the power steering pump. The mechanic was able to pull up the steering almost 1.5-2 inches 😦

Clutch bearing issues (thats the reason for the clutch so hard)

The 2 rear reflectors missing

The fuel pump is leaking diesel and this was supposed to have been overhauled at Lucas by the workshop in Greater Noida where I got the work done earlier or pardon me for saying S%$#%ED. Now I will come to know whether it was actually done at Lucas or I was again duped. He SK told me that he would run the serial number in the system and check. If it was done @ lucas it would be free otherwise I will have to redo it again.

They will add a lamp in the engine bay

The steering has so much play and SK told me that the joint/ cross holding them together are almost worn out and as per them could have anytime given way.

The suspension rod or the jumping rod is missing. I do not know whether this favor to me was done by the mayapuri guys or by the GNoida workshop.

Work to be done and cost estimate explained to me

8k approx parts and 3k labor

Clutch overhaul & Engine & gearbox mountings change

Full Service

Power steering overhaul

Brakes check

Change the side view mirrors to original

Estimate cost for the parts

3800 for the clutch setup & Clutch cable, bearings etc

2100 (700 each for engine(2) gearbox(1) mountings)

1500 engine oil, oil filter, diesel filter etc

Rest misc

I have decided to leave the vehicle in the workshop for the work to be done and they estimate that it would take about 3 day tops 4 days for the job to be completed.

Some general observations when I was at the workshop

I really liked the attitude of the staff and and that of Mr.SK. He SK was very warm and courteous and showed me around the complete workshop

Took the estimate of the complete repainting of a vehicle(Jeep) with 2k paint and complete under body antirust, clear coat with denting, painting, metal patchwork, etc etc 28-30k. Quite acceptable and affordable too. Plus the paint done in a paint booth is always much better and long lasting than the one done in the open. They also use only genuine stuff from Asian Paints and this paint I believe is about 1800 bucks a liter and amongst the best.

Liked what SK told me that “M&M fixes the labor rates and the cost of the parts are also fixed in the system, so even if some employee wants to charge extra he cant do it, as everything is governed by the system and ultimately they have to work in competition with other multi-brand workshops”. Now this is how things should work and I have always like people who are straight forward and truthful rather than beat around the bush.

At the workshop they were using something for denting maybe spot welding or tick welding I am not sure what its called, but they were not using the traditional first heat with a blow torch and then hammer approach.

Parts or things are constantly getting worn out and need replacement like the body mountings, steering play, etc etc. This is especially true for our OTR vehicles and it is not possible to discover what needs to be done by someone like me who is not really of a technical bent of mind. People like me need good workshops rather than to go to unauthorised people or places like Mayapuri or Greater Noida and get robbed and fleeced to the last penny we have in our pockets and still not get the work done.

Infact last week when i had the body mounts changed from Mayapuri the vehicle was there the entire day and just look at the expertise and attitude of the guys they were changing the mounts. They din’t even bother to check whether the engine mounts are ok. Are they really that dumb Or maybe on the contrary they are so smart that they must have noticed and not do anything about it so that the vehicle comes to them again in future and they charge the labor charges all over again.

I am not saying that the workshop guys will discover everything in the 1st instant and nothing will escape their eyes. But I am just impressed with this fact that they atleast were specifically looking at places to see whatever’s not right with the vehicle and do what needs to be done.

I had also told them to remove the power steering and put in a new sterring box but SK advised me to leave the power steering as it is and assured me that they will make sure that the power steering works like feather touch.

Now compare the 3k labor of the workshop with the 4k estimate the mayapuri guy gave me for just the clutch work. I have now started believing that they(mayapuri guys) have different charges for guys like us (Tbhp & NIOC guy) than what they normally charge. They have started to simply rip us off. Quality of work is pathetic, and genuineness of the parts used is best if left to anyone’s guess.

Also learnt something amazing while I was chatting with guys as the workshop. A I asked them what would be the approx cost of a complete mechanical overhaul (parts and labor included) of a MM550 pickup up from the junk market. I learn that it should cost somewhere around 1.50Lacs just excluding the seats, hood & tyres which I think is not bad at all. even if the cost accelerates by 10-15% still I think that its a very good option. Atleast the work will be done under the supervision of competent people, proper tools will be used and if I would have got it done this way I would have had the mental satisfaction that genuine parts have been used. If I knew this initially i would opted for something like this any day rather than to go to unauthorised workshops and uncompetent people and waste 5 month of my life. Plus they(automart) give a 6 month warranty on the job done.

Now I understand what Darbar Bheram & GTO means when they say that there’s only one way and this is the only right way.

When I had the clutch issue in corbett I was weary of again have to go to Mayapuri and show it to them as I had the feeling in my mind that whatever I spend there will be a big waste.

I am very happy that I finally stepped out of Mayapuri and took the right step as I had always believed that quality always has a price and though Mayapuri sounds cheap its actually the people there who are cheap.

And with regards to the cost part it looks cheap as money is given in small installments but towards the end we end up spending much more in cost and time and still don’t get the satisfaction.

Here at the authorised workshop atleast I am getting a bill for all the stuff gone into my vehicle and have told them to do whatever they need to do and I am not showing the vehicle again to Mayapuri, atleast for mechanical.

I am glad I came to the correct workshop at last. “better late then never”